Last Chance to See: Hot Rods & Kool Kustoms

Fire up your engines, step back in time and feel the thrill and excitement of these retro racers.

Stunning hot rods and customs cars from the American and British custom car scene, are part of a brand new exhibition Hot Rods & Kool Kustoms at Coventry Transport Museum.

Built for speed, hot rods were quickly branded a menace to society but the thrill and glamour of Californian white sand races made these machines the ultimate American dream. Inspired by the growing teen subculture, the cars became the stars of those electrifying race scenes from your favourite vintage movies. From James Deans broodingly infamous Rebel Without a Cause, to the sugar coated treatment of John Travolta’s Greased Lightning- there’s no denying that Hot Rods and Kustom Kulture made their mark on Hollywood. Their danger, excitement and creativity was quickly adopted across the pond here in the UK by a hip new chrome-plated generation eager to give the trend a British spin.

With the cars taking centre stage, the exhibition will showcase a premium line-up of icons from the American and British hot rod and custom car scene, all equipped with eye catching designs, thunderous engines and compelling histories. Bringing with them the sights and sounds of 50s Americana, you’ll find the classic ‘32 Ford Roadster and the ‘57 Ford Pop as well as examples of low-slung customs and cool chopped designs from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Family Area

As part of the Hot Rods and Kool Kustoms exhibitions we have an exciting interactive family area where you can customise a real car bonnet using pin striping techniques, race your cars down a ramp with loop the loops, and celebrate on our winner’s podium.

Events

Hot Rods Cars & Coffee

Saturday 13 May

An open invitation for Hot Rods and Kool Kustom cars to take over Millennium Place for the day. Find out more.

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Home of the fastest car on Earth!

Coventry Transport Museum is home to Thrust SSC and Thrust 2, the world's two fastest cars.

When you visit the Museum, not only can you marvel at these spectacular feats of British engineering, you can experience travelling through the sound barrier on our all new 4D Land Speed Record Simulator!